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Residents of Columbine Knolls South Estate now have a new playground to enjoy, thanks to a contribution from Foothills Park and Recreation District and volunteer work from hundreds of community members.

The Wayside Meadows Park project, which replaced a more than 40-year-old playground, was taken on by the Columbine Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as its 2017 Colorado Cares Day Project. Foothills contributed $20,000 to the playground build, and church members and neighborhood residents helped organize volunteers.

Elyse Austin weaved her bicycle in and out of the bright orange cones strategically placed in the parking lot of Columbine High School. The 4-year-old may have hit a cone or two, but for someone who just learned to ride a bike, she looked like a pro.

Her mother, Dusti, watched with a prideful smile, mentioning her daughter was a new rider. Elyse went straight from a balance bike — a two-wheel pedal-less bike — to a normal bicycle.

The Foothills Park and Recreation District is moving forward with plans to seek a mill levy increase in the November election, and it’s considering ways to utilize the money should its upcoming bid prove successful.

During an Aug. 22 board meeting, the board of directors unanimously approved a resolution determining ballot language. In passing that resolution, the board also agreed to allow board members Tony Esolen and Bill Meyer to work with district counsel Paul Rufien to finalize the language before Jefferson County’s Sept. 8 submittal date.

Reflections paint the still waters of Lake Lehow as those scattered across its banks cast their lines, hoping for a bite.

Cast. Reel. Catch. Release.

With each launch of the fishing line on the shore of this secluded lake, they find stillness and clarity. But perhaps most of all, they find healing.

These individuals have much more in common than shared space in the sand. Most also share the experience of war; they know service and honor, fear and pain. Through this understanding of combat and love for the outdoors, the group has become family.

In an attempt to ease concerns among parents and community members, the superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools announced last Friday that the school district will not consider any school closures for at least a couple of years.

Superintendent Jason Glass said in a letter e-mailed to parents, as well as posted to his “Advance Jeffco” blog under the title, “Rethinking school closures,” that his administration would make recommendations to close any neighborhood school until at least the 2019-20 academic year.